Sean Murphy – Sports Handicapper

My selection is on the 'under' between New Jersey and Chicago at 7:30 pm et on Wednesday.

While both teams are coming off high-scoring games, the circumstances suggest a much lower-scoring affair in this matchup. The Devils have dropped three straight games and will be focused on tightening up defensively, especially against a Blackhawks team that had struggled to score before its unexpected 7-4 outburst against Philadelphia on Sunday. Prior to that, Chicago had managed just 10 total goals over its previous seven games. Additionally, New Jersey has been much better defensively on the road this season, allowing just 2.6 goals per game away from home.

Offensively, the Devils continue to struggle in the absence of Jack Hughes, scoring three or fewer goals in 12 of their last 13 contests. Chicago, meanwhile, isn't built to win high-scoring games, as its offensive inconsistencies have been a major issue all season. The lone prior meeting between these teams resulted in a low-scoring 4-1 New Jersey win, and given the current trends, another defensive battle is likely. Expect a slower-paced, tighter contest on Wednesday.

Take the 'under.' Projected score: New Jersey 3, Chicago 1.

Wednesday NBA Free play. My selection is on Los Angeles minus the points over Indiana at 7:30 pm et on Wednesday.

The Lakers enter this matchup looking to snap a three-game SU and ATS losing streak, and this presents a great opportunity to do so against an Indiana squad that has been playing well but may be due for a letdown. While the Pacers have won five straight games, their ATS record hasn’t been as strong, covering in just three of their last 11 contests. Indiana is coming off a solid home win over Minnesota on Monday but could find itself looking ahead to a two-game road trip that begins on Thursday against lowly Washington. With the Lakers desperately needing to turn things around and the Pacers in a bit of a scheduling trap, this spot sets up well for Los Angeles.

The Lakers also have plenty of motivation after dropping the first meeting between these teams in L.A. back in January. Their four-game road trip will only get tougher from here with a back-to-back against the surging Bulls on Thursday, followed by a visit to Memphis on Saturday. Expect L.A. to come out with urgency, especially against a Pacers team that has shown some defensive vulnerabilities and could struggle to contain the Lakers' size and physicality. Look for Los Angeles to take advantage and secure a much-needed win and cover.

Take Los Angeles. Projected score: Lakers 122, Pacers 113.

My selection is on Denver minus the points over Milwaukee at 9 pm et on Wednesday.

The Nuggets enter this matchup looking to bounce back from an unexpected home loss to the surging Bulls on Monday. That defeat came in a tough scheduling spot, as it was the second game of a back-to-back following a four-game road trip. Now, Denver is in a much better position with a full day of rest, while the visiting Bucks find themselves in a more difficult scenario. Milwaukee is wrapping up a five-game western road trip and is coming off a grueling two-point loss in Phoenix on Monday. While the Bucks have covered the spread in three straight games, fatigue could become a factor here, especially against a well-rested Nuggets team that has been dominant at home all season.

Beyond the scheduling advantage, the Nuggets have extra motivation after suffering an 'upset' loss in Milwaukee on February 27th. Denver has consistently been one of the league’s best home teams, using its altitude advantage and disciplined style of play to wear down opponents. The Bucks, on the other hand, have been inconsistent defensively, which could spell trouble against a Nuggets squad that excels at executing in the half-court. Look for Denver to take control early and cruise to a convincing victory as it returns to form.

Take Denver. Projected score: Nuggets 119, Bucks 102.

Eastern Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on Philadelphia minus the points over Washington at 7 pm et on Wednesday.

Both teams enter this contest in the midst of prolonged losing streaks, with the Wizards dropping five straight both SU and ATS, while the 76ers have also lost five in a row outright and failed to cover in their last four contests. The difference is that Washington has every incentive to keep piling up losses as it looks to secure the league's worst record and improve its chances of landing highly touted prospect Cooper Flagg in the draft. That tanking mindset has been reflected in their recent offensive performances, as they've connected on fewer than 40 field goals in three straight and six of their last nine games. Philadelphia, on the other hand, has at least managed to slow the pace in recent contests, holding four straight and six of its last seven opponents to 90 or fewer field goal attempts.

While the Sixers' defense has struggled mightily, their offensive production has still been superior to Washington’s, as they’ve made 40 or more field goals in four of their last six games. The 76ers already handled the Wizards at home earlier this season, winning outright but failing to cover a double-digit spread. This time around, they’re laying a much more reasonable number, making this a prime opportunity for them to snap their losing skid. With Washington likely looking ahead to a five-game homestand starting Thursday, Philadelphia should take advantage and roll to a comfortable victory.

Take Philadelphia. Projected score: 76ers 118, Wizards 103.